If you're a teen with a love of words and writing, entering writing contests for teens can pay big rewards. If you win first place, you may just earn yourself a substantial amount of money. However, even if you don't win, you'll benefit from the experience in several ways. Let's take a look at five major bonuses you'll enjoy by simply participating in the many online writing contest for teens.

There are just a couple of things you should understand before jumping in, but these are simple enough. Some writing contests charge an entry fee, while others are free. Generally, if there's substantial prize money involved, you'll find an entry fee is required. The rule of thumb is that the entry fee should not be greater than about 4-5% of the amount awarded for first place. There are more than enough contests which are free or fall within this range. If the particular contest is run by an esteemed writer's organization, you'll gain more recognition.

Read the fine print carefully. Some writing contests require that you give up various rights to your work. You want to retain as many rights as possible.

The first big bonus to your participating in writing contests for teenagers is that it becomes a great discovery process. When you're willing to put your work out for public scrutiny, you'll find it exhilarating and scary at the same time. Once you've entered your work, you'll find yourself daydreaming of writing as a career. If your strength is poetry, you'll have urges to look at other poet's work. Who's won in previous competitions? How does your work measure up? Short story writing contests for teens may have you at the library or looking online for information and courses which will improve your writing.

You can use your entry as a resume building tool. You mention 'Participant (or 1st place winner!) in XYZ writing contest' and anyone reading your resume interprets this data as showing initiative, leadership and intelligence. Good for you and your job prospects!

Many writing contests for teens are posted on writer's sites which offer everyone a chance at posting other work for feedback and constructive critiques by experienced writers. The feedback you get is often valuable. You're free to take it or leave it. Typically, the rules in these forums forbid flaming. Only constructive criticism is acceptable. You can learn much from such forums and make a few new friends as well.

By submitting your entry, you're putting your skills on the line. This can be great for building self-esteem.

When you match your work against other teens, reading their work, it helps you to develop your style, voice and encourages honing your writing skills.

Entering such writing contests opens your possibilities, even if you don't win. You can use the credibility you gain as a serious writer to secure tutoring positions, scholarships and grants.

Go for it! You have much to gain.